James Cleary re-elected to Bennington Select Board

Bennington voters re-elected incumbent James Cleary in a contested Select Board race against Bethany Manley Craig.

Cleary, a longtime member of the Bennington Select Board,  has served many roles in town over the years.

At the polls, Select Board member Tony Parisi said he supported Cleary’s bid for re-election.

“I hope people vote for Jim Cleary, and I hope he’s re-elected. I have learned after serving with him for several years that Jim puts the needs of Bennington first, before his own needs. I’ve been honored to serve with him and learn from him,” Parisi said after voting on Tuesday. 

Both Cleary and Craig are lifetime residents of the area with deep ties to Bennington.  Craig said Tuesday she was  pushing for “a change in culture” in Bennington, and she posted the following statement Wednesday morning: “I appreciate the many supporters throughout the campaign process. I did not win the Select Board seat. Jim Cleary will continue to serve in this role – Congratulations, Jim! Jim and I have been working together for years in various ways for Bennington and will continue to do so into the future. Thank you to the many folks who stopped by to chat with me at the polls yesterday and brave the winds! I had many great conversations with residents on both sides. I am encouraged by the strong opposition in Bennington to ConVal warrant Article 10. I will continue to support Pierce School along with the Select Board as we navigate the next steps in the process!”

Town Administrator Deb Davidson said Bennington had a strong voter turnout. All of Bennington’s town warrant articles passed.